Choosing the Siding Color for Your Home
One of the most important decisions you will make when replacing your siding is choosing the color scheme for your new exterior. A good siding job can take your home from looking slightly shabby to being one of the best-looking homes on the street. But, it will cost several thousand dollars and you’ll be living with it every day for many years so you need to get it right.
These days, homeowners have more siding choices available than ever including basic vinyl, insulated vinyl, wood, composite, fiber cement, even shakes or stone siding. Once you choose the material, the next all-important decision is the color palette.
More Color Options
The latest trends in siding colors run the gamut from bright, vivid and bold to crisp, clean and traditional. You will now see deep blues, warm reds, heavy greens and rich browns in addition to the traditional lighter whites, olive greens, tans and blues. Bright white is also making a big comeback. In addition, accents and trim now come in many colors to add pop to the exterior of your home.
Like a painting, it’s the combination of colors and textures that create a distinctive look for your home. Keep in mind that, viewed in isolation, siding color swatches can be misleading. If you have problems visualizing what the finished product might look like, several online tools can help. One of our favorite siding design tools is by Preservation, a leading siding manufacturer.
Tips for Choosing Siding Colors
You must consider everything in your home’s environment when choosing the color scheme for the exterior. For instance, will the colors you choose complement your roof color or windows or doors? Will it work well with any other materials on the house like brick or stone? Are standard colors acceptable or are you interested in a bold new color? Will your colors clash with the color or style of any nearby homes?
One basic design guideline all homeowners should keep in mind is that lighter colors neutralize features that you may wish to de-emphasize, while darker colors draw attention to places you may want to highlight. For instance, a dark color may look rich and distinctive in the store or a magazine, but on the facade of a medium or large home, it may feel bleak and overpowering. On the other hand, very light colors may prevent a smaller home from standing out in its environment.
Long Term Planning
Ultimately, how long you plan to live in the house and your personal style are the most important factors when making these choices. After all, you’ll be living with these choices for years to come. But tempting as it may be to go for the big bold “statement” colors or materials, if you think you might be selling within just a few years, you’ll want to make sure that your colors “fit” in the neighborhood you live in. The more you stick with color trends popular in your neighborhood, the easier it will be to sell your home when the time comes.
Picking out siding might seem like a simple task, but it’s always good to have the input of a professional so you get a look that you love. If you need more assistance, Home Town Restyling offers free quotes and consultations by experienced project managers familiar with all the latest siding trends and options. You can also download our free eBook Complete Guide to Replacement Siding for more information about preparing for a siding replacement project.
